NEWARK, NJ — Following an Amber alert issued on Monday afternoon, authorities located two-week-old Chinna Payne in East Orange just after 3 p.m. along with the man last seen with the infant, according to New Jersey State Police. 

Police reported that Damion Payne, 27, of Newark, is accused of assaulting the child's mother in Newark before leaving ...

NEW JERSEY — “Good trends,” as Gov. Phil Murphy put it Monday, will allow New Jersey to expand its COVID-19 gathering limits.

The changes go into effect immediately. Religious services at churches, mosques and other houses of worship will be allowed to run at 50% capacity.

Also in effect, two parents/guardians will be allowed to attend indoor and outdoor college ...

NEW JERSEY — Around midday Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed three bills to legalize recreational marijuana-use and establish a regulated cannabis market within the next six months.

The legislation will allow for adults to legally possess as much as six ounces of marijuana and mean relief for anyone previously subject to arrest for petty marijuana possession.

“As of this moment, ...

Special to TAPintoSPF. This story was written and produced by NJ Spotlight. It is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement related to COVID-19 coverage. To read more, visit njspotlight.com.

Less than 5% of immunization centers in New Jersey are tapping the reservation system state officials created

Jan. 20., 2021: Waiting to receive a ...

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For those waiting for the big snowstorm we have been deprived of over the past couple of years, the wait will need to continue. 

Two storm systems developing this week will provide some white winter weather for a good part of New Jersey, but neither storm is showing much inclination to develop into a bigger deal. 

The first system is a quick and light ...

The New Jersey State Police have arrested six suspects and dismantled an alleged multi-county theft ring linked to more than 30 stolen vehicles and two motor vehicle pursuits after a 13-month operation dubbed “Bust a Move.”

According to a press release from the State Police, troopers from Troop “D” Holmdel Station began investigating a motor vehicle crash on Oct. 31, ...

NEW JERSEY — A new executive order will mean sweeping changes for the way teachers and students are evaluated for the 2020-2021 school year.

Gov. Phil Murphy, who has long said this isn’t a normal school year due to COVID-19, announced the changes last week during a press conference on pandemic updates.

As part of the order, high school seniors won’t have to pass ...

TRENTON, NJ -- Gov. Phil Murphy and the NJ Department of Health are taking heat for putting smokers in the 1B category for people registering to receive the coronavirus vaccine. 

On Wednesday, the governor announced that all residents over age 65, not just those in long-term care facilities, would be the next in line to get the vaccine, along with people who have conditions that ...

NEW JERSEY — Roughly 300 locations, including as many as six mega-sites, will rely on the honesty and goodwill of residents in its mission to vaccinate the 1A priority group: frontline healthcare workers, law enforcement and firefighters.

“We are trusting the integrity of all of you to do the right thing in this regard and not `jump the line,’” said Health ...

NEW JERSEY -- Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered that all U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff on Monday, Jan 11, 2021, in honor of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick of South River, who died following injuries sustained while defending the U.S. Capitol when it was under siege on Jan. 6.

In a statement, Murphy said: 

“United States Capitol Police Officer ...